Sense of coherence and mood states: Exploring the causal relationships

The current study seeks to explore the effect of an academic course on sense of coherence (SOC) and transitory mood states. Moreover, the causal relationships between SOC and transitory mood states was evaluated. Second-year pharmacology students completed pencil-and-paper questionnaires at the beginning of the semester and 3-1/2 months later. The study group (n = 37) participated in an academic course developed to teach cognitive behavior concept and practice, whereas the control group (n = 43) had additional sessions of laboratory work. SOC increased significantly after the course while tension-anxiety and confusion decreased significantly. Structural equation analyses in the study group suggested that SOC was modified by confusion and perceived stress. No such pattern was observed in the control group.